The six projects should draw the attention of all relevant ministries.
Banda Aceh, Aceh (ANTARA) - Maritime Affairs and Investment Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan shed light on a plan to develop six core projects in the westernmost Indonesian province of Aceh.

"The six projects should draw the attention of all relevant ministries," Pandjaitan noted during an online coordination meeting with Aceh Governor Nova Iriansyah on Tuesday.

Panjaitan affirmed that the six projects comprise the development of land, air, and sea connectivity and accessibility; the Aceh industrial estate in Ladong, the Arun special economic zone in Lhokseumawe District, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) investment in Banyak Island, Singkil District.

The online coordination meeting brought together relevant ministers comprising Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Arifin Tasrif, Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Public Works and People's Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, Agrarian and Spatial Layout Minister Sofyan Djalil, and Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno.

Transportation Minister Sumadi pointed to his ministry’s plan to develop transportation infrastructure and facilities in several regions in Aceh to support existing industrial and economic centers.

To support development of the Arun special economic zone, the Transportation Ministry will expand the runway of Malikussaleh Airport to boost air transportation, according to Sumadi.

Moreover, the Transportation Ministry will develop infrastructure at the Krueng Geukuh port to bolster sea connectivity, he stated.

Meanwhile, Public Works and People's Housing Minister Hadimuljono is targeting to complete the construction of Keuruto Dam in North Aceh District and Rukoh Dam in Pidie District in 2022 to ensure sustained and adequate water resources.

Agrarian and Spatial Layout Minister Djalil confirmed that land clearance for constructing the Medan-Langsa toll road section was nearly complete, while construction was underway for the Banda Aceh-Sigli toll road section.

Aceh Governor Nova Iriansyah is optimistic of construction of the port in Singkil District being intensified to ensure that UAE’s investment in the tourism sector is fruitful.

"We are also upbeat that development of the port in Calang and port in the form of breakwater in Kuala Buton, West Aceh, would also be intensified since the sea conditions were not yet safe," Iriansyah stated.

According to the governor, the two ports serve as ferry ports to reach Simeulue District.

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Translator: M Ifdhal/Suharto
Editor: Sri Haryati
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